UPDATED: Seven die in Abuja military plane crash

Seven persons died in a military jet crash that occurred in Abuja on Sunday.

The Federal Ministry of Aviation officials said the jet owned by the Nigerian Air Force reported an engine failure around 10.39am before the crash.

The incident was also confirmed by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who identified the military aircraft as King Air 350.

The military aircraft crashed a few yards off the runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja.

Also confirming the incident, the Nigerian Air Force’s spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, stated that the Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to Abuja airport after reporting engine failure en route Minna.

Vice Marshal Daramola further stated that first responders were at the scene, adding that all seven personnel on board died in the crash.

The NAF spokesman’s statement published on Twitter also indicated that the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, had ordered an immediate investigation into the accident.

While urging the general public to remain calm and await the outcome of the investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all Nigerian Air Force personnel, commiserated with the families of the deceased.